Sales development, March

Turnover increase for the H&M Group was in March 2006
zero per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.

The start of the season has been delayed due to the cold weather in March. The late spring and the fact that Easter does not occur until April have led to very weak sales mainly in Central Europe.

Sales increase per month in per cent excluding currency rate changes:

2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06
December 16 11 13 14(4)
January 18 14 5 15(5)
February 10 13 6 11(2)
March 8 7 20 0(-8)
April 12 13 15
May 9 7 18
June 8 15 18
July 8 14 12
August 5 15 17
September 6 10 7
October 10 9 10
November 4 24 11

Whole year 9 12 13

The figure in paranthesis represents the sales development in comparable stores.

Total number of stores amounted to 1,216 (1,101) on 31 March 2006.

Sales development in the month of April will be published on
15 May 2006 at 8.00 CET.

Rolf Eriksen
Managing Director